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FRIDAY EDITION: Our annual xmas party at the CAARA club is Saturday at noon, turkey and ham with all the dressing. If you are in the area of Gloucester, MA I invite you to the party....Cybersecurity expert warns '2024 will be the year of the AI-generated scam, at scale'....A Mountain View company announced this week that it was able to fly a small cargo plane with no one on board. ...

VOTA Red Badges On The Air Event December 17

2023 has been a fun operating year for ARRL’s Year of the Volunteers with the Volunteers On the Air (VOTA) event. To help members boost their VOTA point totals, ARRL is hosting a Red Badges on the Air activity on December 17, 2023, from 1500 - 2100 UTC. The objective of the event is to provide an opportunity for VOTA participants to work more ARRL officers and elected officials, such as Directors or Section Managers and Headquarters staff members and volunteers, who offer higher point values in the yearlong event.

ARRL Contest Branch Manager Bart Jahnke, W9JJ, explained, “The badges they wear at hamfests, conventions, and other formal occasions are red, hence the term Red Badges on the Air. ARRL red badges are worth a lot of points — as much as 300 points per contact for working ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR — so participants can quickly increase their VOTA points tally.

Jahnke stressed that the event is “an activity day, not a contest”; there’s no required amount of operating time. Participants can call “CQ VOTA” on phone or “CQV” on CW or digital modes. While the event is focused on encouraging those with ARRL red badges to hand out VOTA points, all activity is welcome, regardless of point value (every ARRL member is worth at least one point in the operating event). Participants get credit for each band or mode contact, regardless of point value. ARRL VOTA participants can use the leaderboard to determine how many points they’ve accumulated.

Other high-point contacts include: President Emeritus or past President, 275 points; Honorary Vice President or ARRL Vice President, 250 points; Director, Director Emeritus, or past Vice President, 225 points; Vice Director, 200 points; Section Manager, 175 points; ARRL Officer or past Director, 150 points; past Vice Director, 125 points, and Charter Life Member or past Section Manager, 100 points.

ARRL Headquarters department managers are worth 75 points, ARRL Headquarters staff and volunteers are worth 50 points, and Assistant Directors are worth 40 points

New Amateur Extra-Class Question Pool Released Effective July 1, 2024

The National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC) Question Pool Committee (QPC) has released the 2024 - 2028 Extra-Class FCC Element 4 Question Pool and Syllabus to the public. The new Extra-Class Question Pool is effective from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028

The 2024 - 2028 pool is available as a Microsoft Word document and as a PDF. The 10 graphics required for the new Extra-Class Question Pool are available within the documents or separately in PDF and JPG file formats.

ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM, and member of the NCVEC QPC, said, “The new pool incorporates significant changes compared to the 2020 - 2024 version. We carefully went over the pool for technical accuracy, relevancy to today’s amateur radio practices, syntax, grammar, style, format, and clarity and redundancy within and between the pools. With these goals in mind, 82 new questions were created, and 101 questions were eliminated, resulting in a reduction [of] the number of questions from 622 to 603. Over 350 questions were modified. We considered a question modified when the knowledge being tested was not changed but wording was improved, or answers or distractors were replaced.”

Somma advised that "the newly revised pool must be used for Extra-class license exams starting July 1, 2024. New test designs will be available to ARRL Volunteer Examiners (VEs) on that date. The ARRL VEC will supply its officially appointed, field-stocked VE teams with new Extra-class exam booklet designs around mid-June."


 

THURSDAY EDITION: Damn, it's 19 degrees out....So you want to own a Cybertruck...

ARDC and ARRL Announce $2.1 Million for the Next Generation of Amateur Radio

SAN DIEGO, California and NEWINGTON, Connecticut – Today, Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) and The ARRL Foundation announced a three-year commitment with over $2.1 million in combined funding to support scholarships for radio amateurs, radio technology for classroom teachers, and amateur radio club grants. This commitment reinforces a strong shared vision between ARRL  The National Association for Amateur Radio® and ARDC to invest in the future of amateur radio through programs supporting the next generation of radio amateurs.

“ARRL and ARDC share a common vision for the future of Amateur Radio,” says The ARRL Foundation President David Norris, K5UZ. “The Foundation exists to support the next generation of radio amateurs, and we are so proud to collaborate with ARDC to make these programs possible.”

The ARDC Scholarship at The ARRL Foundation has supported nearly 100 amateur radio operators in pursuit of their educational goals since its inception in 2020. The renewed commitment will result in over 200 total scholarships, awarded over the next three years, for radio amateurs pursuing higher education, with scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. This competitive scholarship program is run through The ARRL Foundation Scholarship Program, and recipients who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need can use this funding for tuition, room & board, books, and other fees essential to advance their education. More information on eligibility and application deadlines may be found online at The ARRL Foundation website at www.arrl.org/scholarship-program.

The ARRL Club Grants program was introduced in 2022 with initial funding from ARDC. Thanks to this next round of collaboration, the ARRL Club Grants Program will continue in 2024. Beginning with significant funding from ARDC in 2022, the ARRL Club Grants program is administered by The ARRL Foundation, together with the ARRL Field Organization. These club grants are critical to the future of amateur radio because of the importance of mentoring and helping licensees become active in Amateur Radio. ARRL encourages clubs to revitalize this critical aspect of their role by applying for funding to support programs in one of the available categories, including ham skills development, STEAM learning and education, or club station improvement, among others. This transformational program will launch in the Spring of 2024. More details will be provided through upcoming informational sessions and on The ARRL Foundation website at www.arrl.org/club-grant-program.

Additional funding from ARDC will extend the effectiveness of ARRL outreach programs to teachers and schools, including the ARRL Teachers Institute for Wireless Technology. Monies will be used to purchase equipment to allow students to get hands-on STEM experiences through radio communications and radio technology.

ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA, is inspired by the opportunities this collaboration presents. “These grants are a great exercise in teamwork and shared vision between our organizations; ARDC has resources to enable significant advancements in amateur radio, and ARRL brings the strength and reach needed to implement these great programs,” he said.

“On behalf of ARRL and The ARRL Foundation, I want to express my sincere thanks for the strong vision and generosity of ARDC,” says ARRL Director of Development Kevin Beal, K8EAL, “Through its philanthropy, ARDC is supporting transformational programs, which will have a significant impact on amateur radio’s future.”

ARDC Executive Director Rosy Schechter, KJ7RYV, adds: “It’s a joy and an honor to enable amateur radio clubs across the country to flourish, and we’re grateful to work with the ARRL to make it happen. We loved seeing the projects from the first round of funding and look forward to seeing what comes next.”

“Clubs are the heart and soul of amateur radio, and outreach is core to ARDC's and ARRL's shared vision," says ARDC Board Member Ria Jairam, N2RJ. " We are proud to support amateur radio clubs and their projects through these transformational grants.”

NCVEC Question Pool Committee Removes Two General-Class License Questions

The National Conference of Volunteer Examiner Coordinators (NCVEC) Question Pool Committee (QPC) has removed two General-class license questions. 

Pursuant to the November 13, 2023, FCC rule change to remove symbol rate restrictions on amateur radio digital emissions (http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-hails-fcc-action-to-remove-symbol-rate-restrictions), the QPC of the NCVEC has deleted two questions from the General-class question pool because they are no longer correct. General-class questions G1C08 and G1C10 are withdrawn from the pool effective immediately and should be removed from examinations as soon as possible. Updated question pool files, including the errata and new information, have been posted on the NCVEC General-class question pool web page at http://www.ncvec.org/page.php?id=369. 

The current Element 3 General question pool became effective on July 1, 2023, and it is valid through June 30, 2027. The ARRL VEC advises the community to regularly check the NCVEC website at http://www.ncvec.org/ for updates to the question pools, which may include errata and withdrawn questions.

 

WEDNESDAY EDITION: Two inches of snow fell last nightbut it should melt by this afternoon. It does make the place look like a winter wonderland....We have done all the hard work for you and handpicked 2023's unique, exciting and best selling gadget gifts. They are all about creating memories and putting smiles on faces.

Morse code can cause COVID?

Wreaths Across America Special Event

The Maine Ham Radio Society is sponsoring their second annual event  commemorating Wreaths Across America, their volunteers, and veterans during National Wreaths Across America Day. Wreaths Across America departs Washington County Maine each December for Arlington National Cemetery and other veteran cemeteries across the country and even overseas, and lay Christmas wreaths at the headstones of our nation’s heroes.
The special on-air event will be from December 15 - 18, 2023 on 80/75/40/20/15/10 meter bands phone, cw, and digital modes using the special event call sign of W1A. Hams making contact with W1A during this period can request a special QSL card via Phil Duggan N1EP, 195 Kansas RD, Milbridge, ME 04658. Please include a SASE.

Local group hopes to help community rediscover one of the first methods of communication

The Tehachapi Amateur Radio Association specializes in Ham Radio operation, a technology that is reliable even during disaster situations

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

One of the first forms of technological connection is still alive and well in Tehachapi. One local group is hoping to serve their community and beyond.

Dick Brown, Technical Advisor for the Tehachapi Amateur Radio Association sits down at his desk and grabs his handheld radio.

“Is anyone else on frequency this morning?” he asks.

Replies begin to call out: “AF7ZG Auburn, Washington. TL4KAH Gerry..in Georgia.” Those are real people around the country responding to Dick's call, each with their own unique call sign.

Dick Brown has been ham radio certified since 1950.

“My dad was licensed in 1928 and my wife’s father was licensed in 1929, so I grew up with it," Brown said. "During the Vietnam War, I ran phone patches for the sailors on board the vessels. They didn't have cell phones and that type of thing during that time, so the hams ran phone patches so the boys at sea could talk to their families at home.”

Today, Brown is a member of the Tehachapi Amateur Radio Association, a local group that spreads awareness of ham radio and is ready to assist emergency services in crisis situations.

“You know what, ham radio is a great way to be prepared for checking your communications abilities. Infrastructure all around California and other states, we can help you to do that,” said Dan Mason, president of the association

And, connections can be made all across the globe.

“Ontario, Canada, Japan, Germany…we can talk anywhere in the world just about anytime we want to,” said Brown.

The Association says anyone looking to become certified in ham radio can learn more about it by visiting the American Radio Relay League website.

 

TUESDAY EDITION: 1/2 inch of snow this morning, 4 wheel drive worked great. I am surprised school did not take a snow day, god forbid Priscilla and Skippy get snow on their new Iphones...

Crossband Activation of Battleship Iowa's NEPM in Memory of Pearl Harbor:

As the representative of the National Museum of the Surface Navy at Battleship IOWA in San Pedro, California, the Battleship IOWA Amateur Radio Association (BIARA) will honor the sailors and ships previously home ported in San Pedro who were attacked on December 7, 1941, with special crossband activations of NEPM on December 6, 7, 8 and 9, 2023. We thank the ARRL and their legal support team for asking the FCC to approve our request for a waiver to allow FCC amateur licensees to work NEPM. Please see the FCC waiver also attached.

If you are in a country outside the jurisdiction of the United States’ Federal Communications Commission please check the terms and conditions that govern your license.

When Pearl Harbor was attacked on 7 December 1941, seven of the battleships formerly homeported in San Pedro Bay weren’t present. Eight Pacific fleet battleships (Arizona, California, Maryland, Nevada, Oklahoma, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania) were at Pearl Harbor and absorbed the brunt of the Japanese attack. Of these eight, three sank, one capsized, and four suffered varying degrees of damage.

With authority from the Navy and Marine Corps Spectrum Office Southwest, we will transmit using the IOWA’s NEPM call sign on assigned military frequencies and listen for calls from the amateur radio community in their adjacent bands. NEPM will transmit on 14.375 MHz, 18.170 MHz, and or 21.856 MHz on J3E/USB and or A1A/CW. The operator will advise listeners as to where they are listening. We will most likely listen for you 10 KHz below the top of each adjacent band when working J3E/USB and 10 KHz above the bottom of each adjacent band when working A1A/CW. Amateur participants are reminded not to transmit on the NEPM military frequencies. Operations on all four days are expected to be from 0700 to 1600 PST / 1500 to 2400 UTC.

QSL procedures can be found at https://biara.org. For specific questions in advance of the operation, contact w6hb@biara.org.

NOTE THE CHANGE IN FREQUENCY FROM 18.1625 TO 18.170. ALL HAS BEEN COORDINATED WITH THE NMCSO AND THE FCC AND THE WAIVER IS STILL VALID FOR FCC LICENSED AMATEURS TO WORK NEPM ON 12/6-9/23.

Does this not look like someone spreading their butt cheeks or is it two mittens?

Florida Hams Make Contact 100 Miles Apart via 10-Meter Repeater… in Switzerland.

When 10 meters is open, amazing things can happen. Lu Romero, W4LT, knows that well. He said, “When 10 is open, I often venture up into the top of the band to see if there is any FM activity. I’ve always liked to use 10 FM, especially when conditions are marginal to observe the Faraday phase distortion on signals. Before FT8, 10 FM was always a good way to discover where the band was propagating to in addition to the beacons. If you hear FM (especially repeaters) operating, then the propagation is really good!”

At around 1500z on October 23, 2023, the band was open. Romero stated that he went to the top of the band and “found multiple signals in both simplex and via repeaters." "Usually, I receive a repeater in New York City, KQ2H, one of the strongest signals I can get down here in Florida when 10 is open, but today there was another strong signal [of] 10 kHz above it,” he said.

Using a FLEX-6400 at 75 W and the C32XR beam at 108 feet that he maintains for the Tampa Amateur Radio Club, he heard an ID through the splatter from the KQ2H repeater. “It was HB9HD in Switzerland! I set up for split and reduced power to 75 W on the Flex and gave the repeater a kerchunk.” Romero was able to contact a Swiss ham, Rene, HB3XVR, on the repeater’s 70-centimeter link.

Then, on October 31, again around 1500z, Romero tried the repeater once more. “I found the repeater full quieting, even stronger than it was on October 23, and with no QRM from KQ2H, so it was clean and easy to copy!

For the heck of it, I called CQ several times on the repeater. I received no callers, but finally, I received a signal that was fading up and down. I called again and that signal stopped fading for a while, and I was able to work David, WA3LXD, over the HB9HD repeater. After a little while, his signal settled down, and David asked me what my QTH was, and I told him I was in Tampa. He laughed and
said we worked each other ‘the hard way,’ because he was in Ocala, about 100 miles to my north,” said Romero.

As Solar Cycle 25 continues to rise toward its peak, amateurs can expect to encounter more exciting propagation, especially on the 10- and 6-meter bands. In this case, the signals traveled roughly 9,800 miles round trip. Your mileage may vary. 

 

MONDAY EDITION: Rain here on the rock....I have a few hand microphones for Icom radios with the RG45 nightmare connectors with broken lock clips. I can't find replacement cords and I have tried to replace the connector in the past with not great results. I bought the connectors and crimper and now that my eyesight and patience are worse than ten years ago, forget it. So they sit in a drawer with a dozen useless wall warts....

Our  club welcomed the local Sea Cadets sponsored by the Coast Guard Reserve and let them play with the radios and make some contacts on HF. Hopefully some will attend our Tech in a Day class

Florida Hams Make Contact 100 Miles Apart via 10-Meter Repeater… in Switzerland.

When 10 meters is open, amazing things can happen. Lu Romero, W4LT, knows that well. He said, “When 10 is open, I often venture up into the top of the band to see if there is any FM activity. I’ve always liked to use 10 FM, especially when conditions are marginal to observe the Faraday phase distortion on signals. Before FT8, 10 FM was always a good way to discover where the band was propagating to in addition to the beacons. If you hear FM (especially repeaters) operating, then the propagation is really good!”

At around 1500z on October 23, 2023, the band was open. Romero stated that he went to the top of the band and “found multiple signals in both simplex and via repeaters." "Usually, I receive a repeater in New York City, KQ2H, one of the strongest signals I can get down here in Florida when 10 is open, but today there was another strong signal [of] 10 kHz above it,” he said.

Using a FLEX-6400 at 75 W and the C32XR beam at 108 feet that he maintains for the Tampa Amateur Radio Club, he heard an ID through the splatter from the KQ2H repeater. “It was HB9HD in Switzerland! I set up for split and reduced power to 75 W on the Flex and gave the repeater a kerchunk.” Romero was able to contact a Swiss ham, Rene, HB3XVR, on the repeater’s 70-centimeter link.

Then, on October 31, again around 1500z, Romero tried the repeater once more. “I found the repeater full quieting, even stronger than it was on October 23, and with no QRM from KQ2H, so it was clean and easy to copy!

For the heck of it, I called CQ several times on the repeater. I received no callers, but finally, I received a signal that was fading up and down. I called again and that signal stopped fading for a while, and I was able to work David, WA3LXD, over the HB9HD repeater. After a little while, his signal settled down, and David asked me what my QTH was, and I told him I was in Tampa. He laughed and
said we worked each other ‘the hard way,’ because he was in Ocala, about 100 miles to my north,” said Romero.

As Solar Cycle 25 continues to rise toward its peak, amateurs can expect to encounter more exciting propagation, especially on the 10- and 6-meter bands. In this case, the signals traveled roughly 9,800 miles round trip. Your mileage may vary. 

No better way to get rid of mice...

ARRL Advocacy Win: FCC Approves Request for Pearl Harbor Day Crossband Operations

ARRL  The National Association for Amateur Radio® sought a waiver on behalf of the activators, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted it. The waiver allows amateur radio operators to participate in a special event commemorating the 82nd annual National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

The Battleship Iowa Amateur Radio Association (BIARA), with authority from the US Navy and Southwest Marine Corps Spectrum Office, will honor the sailors and ships previously homeported in San Pedro, California, who were attacked on December 7, 1941. There will be special crossband activations of NEPM, Battleship Iowa’s original call sign, on December 6, 7, 8, and 9, 2023.

Using the call sign NEPM, the club will transmit on assigned military frequencies and listen for calls from the amateur radio community on their adjacent bands. NEPM will transmit on 14.375, 18.170, and/or 21.856 MHz on J3E/USB and/or A1A/CW. The club operator will tell participating hams where BIARA will be listening, which will be 10 KHz below the top of each adjacent band when working J3E/USB, or 10 KHz above the bottom of each adjacent band when working A1A/CW. Amateur participants are reminded not to transmit on the NEPM military frequencies. Operations on all 4 days are expected to be from 0700 to 1600 PST (1500 to 2400 UTC).

The FCC stated the grant of the waiver meets the second prong of the waiver standard in section 1.925(b)(3)(ii) in that the event presents a unique opportunity for the amateur and military communities to practice communication skills under the guidance of military officials, which may be useful in the future and serves the public interest.

In addition to the skills gained by amateur operators participating in the test, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day has historical significance. It emphasizes the importance of reliable communications and the need to be vigilant in national defense. 

WEEKEND EDITION: As expected, my physical took 7 minutes, good until next year as far as Medicare is concerned...Surajit Mukherjee, a 76-year-old former railway schoolteacher with Alzheimer’s (a brain disorder disease), who had gone missing from his home off Maniktala Main Road, Kankurgachhi nearly three months ago, was reunited with his family on Tuesday by an ex-schoolteacher and HAM radio operators.  story...

WX1AW Active for 2023 SKYWARN™ Recognition Day

As part of the celebrations for SKYWARN™ Recognition Day (SRD) on December 2, 2023, hams will be on the air as WX1AW from the ARRL® Radio Laboratory station, W1HQ. ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, and other amateurs plan to be on the air for several hours Saturday morning and midday. 

The event honors all SKYWARN storm spotters and amateur radio operators for their contributions to the National Weather Service (NWS) during severe weather. Amateur radio operators also provide vital communication to the NWS and emergency management teams in other instances when normal communications fail.

"SKYWARN is a perfect example of an opportunity for hams to provide situational awareness for our communities during severe weather. We are happy to participate with our partners at the NWS and look forward to continuing the service provided by amateur radio operators around the country," said Johnston. 

For those interested in participating in the operating event, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website is updated with the SKYWARN registration form, mapping form, rules, and information.

SRD was developed in 1999 by the NWS and ARRL. On SRD amateur stations exchange contact information with as many NWS stations as possible on 80, 40, 20, 15, 10, and 6 meters, plus the 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands. Contacts made via repeaters are also permitted. Non-amateur radio spotters can exchange information with NWS offices using social media. To learn how to become a trained NOAA storm spotter, visit Spotter Training (weather.gov).

To receive a QSL card from WX1AW, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

W1AW
225 Main Street
Newington, CT 06111

ARRL RF Safety Committee Develops New Guidelines to Communicate RF Safety

Radio amateurs now have a new tool from ARRL  The National Association for Amateur Radio® to help answer questions about their stations. Neighbors of amateur radio operators are sometimes concerned about transmissions and radio frequency exposure from amateur stations. The ARRL RF Safety Committee, with their international counterparts at the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB), the Irish Radio Transmitters Society (IRTS), and the Swedish Society of Radio Amateurs (SSA), has developed a new set of guidelines to help amateurs interact with and talk to their neighbors about RF exposure.

Chairman of the ARRL RF Safety Committee Greg Lapin, N9GL, said the new informational PDF found on the ARRL RF Exposure page, Helping Amateurs Interact with Neighbors Asking About Radio Transmissions, was developed after a year of discussions about RF safety.

“Neighbors may be alarmed by some of the misinformation about RF safety that is available from a variety of sources. By following the exposure regulations from the Federal Communications Commission, we can be confident that our families and neighbors are safe,” Lapin said.

Lapin added that RF exposure regulations are based on decades of trustworthy research. He also encouraged all amateur radio operators to perform exposure assessments for their stations to make sure they meet those regulations.

You Have Been Warned!

If you'll invest a few minutes to read this article to the end, you may find you've saved not just money but your self-respect as well. As you move through these comments let's get one thing out of the way right up front: I should have known better. That being said, please no hate mail, all you naysayers just bite your tongues and no finger pointing. Let's just crack on.

When I buy or sell items through the eHam Classified section, I don't just submit an ad then forget about it. If I post an ad, I let it run it for a little while then I'll remove it when it's completed its work or has worn out its welcome. I find it annoying to reach out to someone about some gear he's selling through an ad here on eHam only to get a reply from the seller saying he sold that 6 months ago! Well, did it ever occur to him to mark it as SOLD or to delete the ad? Does anyone really want all those inquires to continue after it sold? It reminds me of a teacher in high school who'd respond to some kid acting out in class by saying aloud for everyone to hear, “What do you think this is? Your home?” implying of course to the offender and anyone else in class laughing his head off at him that you're in public now, everyone is watching so don't do that here. The web sites are here for us all, not a place to dump an ad then walk away when it's used up. Needless to say, I clean up my ads once they're done.

Viewers used to hear on “Dragnet” years ago, “...The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.”. The following account is true.

A short time ago I posted a WTB on eHam (but it could have been on any such website whether or not ham radio related) for an item which due to the pandemic had become impossible to find new from any of the retail outlets including the manufacturer. I let the ad run for a couple of weeks or so but had no responses. I deleted the ad and re-posted it so it would be seen on the top by more viewers who don't scroll very deep into the ads. Because so many of the ads on eHam are dead wood after a few weeks I'm thinking folks don't even bother looking much farther than the first page or so.  Anyway, I posted it anew and within a couple of hours I got a response from a guy who said he had what I was looking for sitting on a shelf collecting dust.  We worked out a win-win deal and he said he'd get back to me the next day after he put it on the bench to test. Sadly though it was dead and we both agreed the deal was off.  After a few more days someone else saw my WTB ad and reached out to me saying he had the unit I was looking for which hadn't really been used and sent pictures of it. Great! I thought and responded that I'd take it. Fast forward two weeks and almost $800 later, I still have no product. What's more I'd been scammed by someone who'd taken on the identity of a legitimate ham who had no idea his good name and callsign was being used by this interloper. The details of this incident while important I simply don't wish to smear more egg on my face than is absolutely necessary, a few details will be used sparingly. Here are some red flags to look out for when you are buying gear:

1. Under no circumstances should you ever use Friends and Family unless you know the guy at the other end personally. If your cousin stiffs you out of money, you know where he lives and you can always send Guido over to tap his knee caps. Never ever use Friends and Family if you do not know the other party. Never! It doesn't matter what they say to sweet talk you into using F&F just don't do it. Tell them you'll cover the PayPay fee of 2.9% and maybe split the shipping. At least with PayPal Goods and Services you have recourse if the seller doesn't ship the item. F&F you are totally on your own. Do not be lulled into thinking one or the other is a faster way to complete the deal.  Likewise, sending a money order or a cashier's check has its own risks: you still might not get your item and what recourse do you have then?
2. Make sure the email address being used by the other guy is legitimate, that it belongs to the right guy. The email address you're corresponding with should also be their PayPal link. If they differ, STOP! In my case, the guy “selling” to me created a gmail account that looked legitimate. He was fast to respond to inquires. Verifying email addresses with ham operators is a bit easier than most because we tend to leave footprints. Some of the guys reading this have different email address for eHam, the FCC and PayPal. When you do that just know, you're making it harder to do business with. NO ONE wants to take the risk of being directed to an alternate address. If however you make the effort to post a question to one address then insist he provide the answer on the known email address. If you're dealing with an eHam transaction, search on the QTH classifieds to see if the same guy has a WTB there. There's a way to contact the real owner so you can ask if you and he have been talking through “this other” email address. If he says, “No, that's not me” then you're done. You just saved yourself a ton of headache and you still have your money. Verify the seller! Verify the buyer! 
3. If the other party is licensed in the U.S., is the email address you're transferring funds to registered in the U.S. too?  You can tell if before you hit the send [the money] button in PayPal, if a screen pops up confirming that your U.S. Dollars will be converted to Canadian Dollars or rubles, peso's or some other currency, STOP! Go no further. If a currency conversion pops up and it's unexpected, stop the transaction. This is probably a scam.
4. If in email or a phone conversation the other party assures you that he'd “never stiff a [fellow] ham” or assures you of his integrity, or is too old or honest to take advantage of your good nature, STOP! I've heard these lines before and every time stiffing you and being lied to is exactly what's going on.
5. Verify, verify, verify. 


Most of us have never had a problem buying and selling when using online ham sites. However, it only takes one bad, one REALLY bad deal to tank your radio budget for a long time. It's unfortunate that people lie. It's unfortunate when someone gives you their word, it sometimes is meaningless, It is truly sad that people have a greater propensity for greed than having empathy for others around them.  It is difficult to enjoy life when total strangers are hell-bent on causing harm to others, who if the tables were turned would feel just as incensed. 

I'll leave you with two pieces of advice from very wise men which I had set aside briefly that are now engraved in my mind.

  • Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves
  • O be wise; what can I say more?

I'm not saying don't trust others. I'm not saying to stop using online classified ads. And I'm not saying to not use PayPal. Please realize there're more crooks out there than ever before. Use common sense. Don't be in such a hurry to get that radio, that mic, that amp or tuner that you throw caution out the window. Verify the other source.

Amateur Radio Newsline Report

FIRE SWEEPS THROUGH NIKOLA TESLA’S LAST REMAINING LAB

PAUL/ANCHOR: We begin this week's report with news of a fire that nearly destroyed a historic landmark with a longstanding connection to radio and innovation. Kevin Trotman N5PRE has the details.

KEVIN: In New York, a raging fire swept through the last remaining laboratory of Nikola Tesla, where a massive redevelopment began three years ago to create a science center and a hub of amateur radio activity and education. Marc Alessi, the nonprofit center’s executive director, said at a press conference on November 28th that authorities have ruled out arson and are still investigating the cause.

The historically significant laboratory building itself, set on a 15-acre site on Long Island, sustained damages of at least $3-million from the November 21st fire. A worldwide fundraising effort on indiegogo has begun for the lab, which the Serbian-born scientist used in the early 1900s. This fundraising is separate from the already $20-million raised for the renovation - an effort that is still $6-million short of its goal.

Amateur radio club N2TSC will be housed in the visitors center - a different building from the devastated lab. Ed Wilson, N2XDD, the club’s president, told Newsline that the visitors centre was not damaged by the blaze, which drew the response of more than 100 volunteer firefighters from the surrounding community. Plans continue to go forward for the site’s overall redevelopment as an educational and community resource, but it is not clear how far back the original opening date of late 2025 will be delayed.

I'm Kevin Trotman N5PRE.

(ED WILSON, N2XDD; CBS; PATCH.COM)

**
HAMS HELP TRACK DOWN LIFESAVING MEDICINE FOR ILL CHILD IN INDIA

PAUL/ANCHOR: Hams in India raced the clock to help locate and deliver medicine in short supply to a critically ill little girl. John Williams VK4JJW tells how they did it.

JOHN: Working under a critically short deadline and across the borders of several nations, hams in India were able to locate a medicine that is vital to a 7-year-old girl in neighbouring Bangladesh who was hospitalised for a neurological disorder. The medicine was in her doctor's hands within 48 hours of being found.

The girl's parents had been told by doctors at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital that they were in short supply of the anti-viral drug that was successfully treating their daughter and that no stock of the drug could be found elsewhere in the country at present. The girl's father told The Times of India that he promptly launched a search by contacting Rahat Khan, S21DI, an amateur radio operator in Bangladesh. Rahat put out a call to his network of ham contacts in neighbouring countries, all to no avail. In India, hams in the West Bengal Radio Club found an alternative of the brand in the state of Kerala but it was not clear whether the girl would respond to that drug. The necessary brand was at last located in New Delhi by one of the newest members of the club, Naendraath Jana, a student in the Indian Academy of Communication and Disaster Management. According to the club's secretary, Ambarish Nag Biswas, VU2JFA, the hams then tracked down someone at the New Delhi airport who was preparing to return home to Bangladesh - and who agreed to transport the medicine. The girl's father met the passenger at the airport in Dhaka. The girl received the treatment on Friday, November 24th.

This is John Williams VK4JJW.

(THE TIMES OF INDIA, THE STATESMAN)

**
FCC SEEKS COMMENTS ON PROPOSALS FOR 2200 and 630 METERS

PAUL/ANCHOR: There is still time to comment on an FCC proposal that would remove the baud rate limitation for the 2200 meter band and the 630 meter band. The agency has said it would like input on what appropriate bandwidth limitation might be set instead. In making this proposal, FCC acknowledges previous comments that have been received, underscoring public-safety benefits for radio communications during emergencies, such as natural disasters.

The FCC is also proposing to maintain existing bandwidth limitations on the VHF and UHF bands.

This is the latest action by the commission, which recently established a bandwidth limitation of 2.8 kHz for digital transmissions on certain amateur radio HF bands, eliminating the longstanding baud rate limitation on those bands.

(FCC)

**
SPACEX ASSURES FCC: NO RADIO INTERFERENCE FROM STARLINK

PAUL/ANCHOR: In other news in Washington, D.C., the FCC has received a document from SpaceX in which the company gives assurances that its cellular Starlink system does not pose a hazard to other radio signals. More on that from Sel Embee KB3TZD.

SEL: Responding to an FCC request for details about radio interference hazards posed by its Starlink system, the company has submitted a 16-page document to the agency explaining why ground-based and satellite services will not face interference from its operation. The FCC had requested the detailed analysis. SpaceX said that its direct-to-cell system uses software that prevents radio interference and, in any case, transmissions can also still be individually turned off if it occurs.

The Starlink system of satellites has been compared to cellular towers in orbit. T-Mobile is its first partner in the venture and will be using frequencies between 1.91 GHz and 1.995GHz for customers' transmissions.

Questions about interference have been raised before. An Australia-based astronomy team recently published a study that they say links unintended emissions from the SpaceX array of satellites to interference with the low-frequency VHF radio antennas used to study the universe.

I'm Sel Embee KB3TZD.

(PC MAGAZINE)

**
NASA RELEASES NEW VERSION OF ISS-SPOTTING APP

PAUL/ANCHOR: Are you looking out for the International Space Station? NASA has just made it even easier. Andy Morrison K9AWM tells us how.

ANDY: If you've got the International Space Station in your sights - figuratively, of course - because you're hoping for a contact, there's a new option to help you spot the ISS more easily. NASA has released a new version of their Spot the Station mobile application that is downloadable from either Google Play or the Apple Store. If the station is passing overhead, you'll get notified in time to try for the APRS or voice repeater in time. Although NASA is still sending alerts by email and text messages, the new app allows users to see predictions of visible passes. You can also set alarms that allow you to be on time to catch the ISS when it arrives in sight.

Visit spotthestation.nasa.gov for more details.

This is Andy Morrison K9AWM

(NASA, AMATEUR RADIO DAILY)

**
YOUTH ON THE AIR APPLICATION PERIOD IS OPEN

PAUL/ANCHOR: It may be December but it's not too early to start thinking about July -- because that means Youth on the Air camp, and this year the young amateurs are heading to Nova Scotia, Canada. Jack Parker W8ISH shares the details.

JACK: Even though the temperatures are dropping and snow has already fallen in some parts of the world, young radio amateurs in North, Central and South America are getting ready for warmer days ahead at Youth on the Air Camp. It's taking place July 7th through July 12th at the Mount Saint Vincent University campus in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The camp is being hosted by Radio Amateurs of Canada.

The application period is now open. Licensed amateurs between the ages of 15 through 25 are being encouraged to complete the application form online by the 15th of January. It can be found at YouthOnTheAir.org

Campers will be notified of their selection by the 1st of February. There are allocated slots for applicants in each of the Americas to encourage as wide an attendance as possible. Any remaining free places after the January deadline can still be applied for up until the 31st of May.

As many as 50 campers will be accepted. Because COVID is still a concern, organizers will be monitoring changes in guidelines for masking and vaccinations.

For details about costs, travel arrangements and other details, visit the Youth on the Air camp website or contact camp director Neil Rapp WB9VPG at director at youthontheair dot org (director@youthontheair.org)

This is Jack Parker W8ISH.


PAU: There's still plenty for youngsters to do on the air in the meantime. Starting December 1st, hams around the world who are age 25 and younger will be marking YOTA month by using callsigns ending in "Y O T A," trying to beat last year's final tally of 107,845 QSOs. As the month wraps up, don't miss the YOTA Contest on December 30th. For complete details visit the website events dot ham hyphen yota dot com (events.ham-yota.com)

**
NEWSLINE TO ANNOUNCE INT'L NEWSMAKER AWARD WINNER

PAUL/ANCHOR: Be listening next week when Amateur Radio Newsline announces this year's recipient of the International Newsmaker of the Year award. We launched this award in 2019 with our editorial staff recognizing the individuals, groups or formal clubs who have spent the previous year bringing amateur radio into the spotlight showing its positive values and contributions to the community. We are broadening the award's scope this year by acknowledging that the dissemination of information to the public about amateur radio's impact no longer relies solely on mainstream media. We are very proud of this year's winner, who you will get to meet very soon.

**
FCC OKS CROSS-BAND OPERATIONS WITH MILITARY FOR PEARL HARBOR REMEMBRANCE

PAUL/ANCHOR: With the help of a waiver from the FCC, hams in the US will be able to contact military stations in an exercise marking Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Kent Peterson KCØDGY has that story.

KENT: In the United States, hams have been granted an opportunity to mark National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day by communicating directly with stations of the US military through cross-band operations. The FCC has issued a waiver to permit such radio communication from December 6th through to the 9th, on the occasion of the 82nd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War Two.

Legal two-way communication with federal stations is highly unusual for amateur radio. FCC regulations typically permit this on only one other occasion, the annual Armed Forces Day Communications Test. Participating hams will be monitoring three federal frequencies but are to respond on parts of the bands assigned to amateurs.

In approving the request from the ARRL, the FCC said the waiver serves an important purpose on a day of great historical significance. The FCC said [quote] "This day has a historic significance and emphasizes the importance of reliable communications and the need to be vigilant in our national defense.” [endquote]

To see a link to the FCC's limited waiver, follow the link in the text version of this week's newscast at arnewsline.org
(RADIO WORLD)

**
HISTORIC TRANSMITTER IN SWEDEN TO TRANSMIT TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

PAUL/ANCHOR: Christmas time is a time of tradition and for radio enthusiasts in Sweden, there are few traditions more loved and anticipated than hearing a Christmas message sent via a transmitter that is fast approaching its 100th year. Jeremy Boot G4NJH explains.

JEREMY: The pride of the pioneering Swedish engineer Ernst Alexanderson - his 200kW high-frequency alternator built in 1924 - has a Christmas message to deliver to the world this year, as in previous years. On Christmas Eve morning, Sunday 24 December, the radio station in Grimeton with the callsign SAQ, will deliver the words in the holiday spirit in CW at 0800 UTC at 17.2 kHz. Those of us who cannot be present can still watch the historic transmitter and hear its message being sent during a livestream on the SAQ Grimeton YouTube channel. The transmitter's startup will also be livestreamed, starting half an hour before the message.

There are also many ways to listen but because there are few radios capable of directly receiving the transmitter's frequency, there are internet receivers and other options available. See the link in the text version of this week's newscast to discover other ways to tune in.

(THE ALEXANDER ASSOCIATION)

**
AUSTRALIA'S TECHNORAMA UNITING HAMS, BROADCAST COMMUNITY

PAUL/ANCHOR: Australia's robust universe of community radio stations teaches through a volunteer organization known as Technorama, which provides a solid footing in broadcast technology to those working behind the scenes. Technorama is now hoping to expand its historical partnership with amateur radio - and it's considered a natural, mutually beneficial relationship, as we hear from Graham Kemp VK4BB.

GRAHAM: Technorama has big plans that don't end when its annual three-day gathering in Sydney concludes on December 3rd. The broadcast skill-building nonprofit organisation is cultivating a partnership between Australia's more than 460 community broadcasting stations and the country's amateur radio operators. Broadcast engineer John Maizels, VK2JPM, a Technorama founder and immediate past president, says the unifying elements between the two worlds - such as transmitters, antennas, generators, RF - mean that hams and these broadcasters have much to offer one another.

There is a history of cross-pollination here that dates back to community radio's birth in the 1970s, when hams assisted the burgeoning broadcasters, and John believes that relationship will go much farther. Technorama is already planning to hold its first formal radio tech training sessions in more than three decades, inviting radio amateurs to join the broadcasters to sign up to learn - and to be among those teaching. He says that community radio stations are [quote] "just like amateur radio, just on steroids." [endquote] Likewise, he said, ham radio classes can benefit community broadcasters.

He told Newsline in a phone call that it's been "a squandered opportunity." He said that building stronger bridges in both directions can fill the needs of both communities.

This is Graham Kemp VK4BB.

(WIA, JOHN MAIZELS, VK2JPM)

**
WORLD OF DX

In the World of DX, fans of the world's longest-running science fiction TV show "Doctor Who" will be listening for special callsigns starting with GBØWHO through GB9WHO until the 20th of December. The cult series marked its 60th anniversary on the 23rd of November. The show's original 694 episodes ran steadily until 1989 but it was revived - much to fans' delight - in 2005. See QRZ.com for QSL details.

We remind listeners that the Advent Award for Bunkers on the Air in the UK is now under way until the 25th of December. Activators as well as hunters, including shortwave listeners, are eligible. Participants need to use the special Advent Calendar Award Claim Tracker to be eligible. See the website bunkersontheair.org under the downloads tab for more details. That's "bunkers on the air" - one word.

(425 DX BULLETIN, BUNKERS ON THE AIR)

**
KICKER: HAMS GET ON THE AIR FOR A GOOD CLAUS

PAUL/ANCHOR: For our final story, we look at Santa Claus. OK, if you're a grownup he's not really big news - or news at all - but if you're a youngster or even grownup who loves a little holiday magic, you'll be listening for Santa on the Air. Here's Jim Damron N8TMW to help us tune him in.

JIM: Like radio waves themselves, Santa Claus is everywhere. While you can't see him, you can definitely hear him - or one of his helpers - as amateurs around the world return this year with a different kind of on-the-air scheme - Santa on the Air.

Hams in the Longmont Amateur Radio Club and the Northern Colorado Amateur Radio Club are giving local kids a chance to visit with Santa through the 10th of December, every night between 0000 and 0200 UTC on a number of local repeaters. Lucky kids will be able to log a contact with Mrs. Santa. Both Mr. and Mrs. Claus are using the callsign NØP.

In Ireland, the Shannon Basin Radio Club is putting Santa on the air on Saturday, December 9th on the EI2SBC repeater. At this time of the year, the callsign stands for Echo Icicle Two Santa Before Christmas.

Santa is also on the HF bands. Check-ins begin on the Santa Net every evening at 7 p.m. Central Time on 3.916 MHz, ending on Christmas Eve. The net is operated by the 3916 Nets. Their website, cqsanta.com has additional information about how to check in before the net gets started.

A little closer to the North Pole, OH9SCL has turned its toy workshop into a shack in northern Finland to prepare for QSOs from around the world. All the HF bands are expected to light up like, well, a Christmas tree. As they have done since 1986, local hams will be on the air calling QRZ from Lapland.

As always, check the QRZ.com page for any of these callsigns to get QSL information and other details. The magic of radio is about to add to the magic of the season -- and, let's face it, it's all for a good Claus.

What do snow goggles, suspension bridges, and lacrosse have in common? They are all innovations that were created by Native Americans thousands of years ago that we still use today.  

Many Native American contributions to our modern world often go unrecognized, according to Gaetana DeGennaro, a museum specialist at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.

“When people are learning about Native people, you get ‘They make beautiful baskets and beautiful pottery and jewelry.’ But not that Native people were thinking and using science,” DeGennaro said.

Over thousands of years, Native Americans developed their own sciences and recreational and medical practices using animals and natural resources in their environment.

“And many of these innovations continue today and it’s important that these contributions to the world are known,” DeGennaro said.  ARTICLE

HAMS ON 75 METERS

 K1TP- Jon....Editor of As The World Turns....
WB1ABC- Ari..Bought an amp and now we can here him on 75 meters, worships his wife, obsessed with Id'ing
N1BOW-Phil...Retired broadcast engineer, confused and gullible, cheap, only uses singl ply toilet paper
KB1OWO- Larry...Handsome Fellow ,only cuts lawn in August, plows snow the rest in Jackman, Maine
W1GEK- Big Mike....Nearfest Cook, big motor home, electronics software engineer ...
AA1SB- Neil...Living large traveling the country with his girlfriend...loves CW
N1YX- Igor....peddles quality Russian keys, software engineer
K1BGH...Art.....Restores cars and radio gear, nice fella...
N1XW.....Mike-easy going, Harley riding kind of guy!
K1JEK-Joe...Easy going, can be found at most ham flea market ...Cobra Antenna builder..
KA1GJU- Kriss- Tower climbing pilot who cooks on the side at Hosstrader's...
W1GWU-Bob....one of the Hosstrader's original organizers, 75 meter regular, Tech Wizard!!!
K1PV- Roger....75 meter regular, easy going guy...
W1XER...Scott....easy going guy, loves to split cordwood and hunt...
KB1VX- Barry- the picture says it all, he loves food!
KC1BBU- Bob....the Mud Duck from the Cape Cod Canal, making a lot of noise.
W1STS- Scott...philosopher, hat connoisseur,
KB1JXU- Matthew...75 meter regular...our token liberal Democrat out of Florida
K1PEK-Steve..Founder of Davis-RF....my best friend from high school 
K9AEN-John...Easy going ham found at all the ham fests
K1BQT.....Rick....very talented ham, loves his politics, has designed gear for MFJ...
W1KQ- Jim-  Retired Air Force Controller...told quite a few pilots where to go!
N1OOL-Jeff- The 3936 master plumber and ragchewer...
K1BRS-Bruce- Computer Tech of 3936...multi talented kidney stone passing ham...
K1BGH- Arthur, Cape Cod, construction company/ice cream shop, hard working man....
W1VAK- Ed, Cape Cod, lots of experience in all areas, once was a Jacques Cousteus body guard....
K1BNH- Bill- Used to work for a bottled gas company-we think he has been around nitrous oxide to long
W1HHO- Cal...3941 group
K1MPM- Pete...3941 group
WA1JFX- Russell...3941 group .

SILENT KEYS

Silet Key KA1BXB-Don...Regular on 3900 mornings....just don't mention politics to him, please!
Silent Key N1IOM- 3910 colorful regular
Silent Key WS1D- Warren- "Windy" - Bullnet
Silent Key KMIG-Rick....75 Meter Regular....teaches the future of mankind, it's scary!
Silent Key Neil -K1YPM .....a true gentleman
Silent Key K1BXI- John.........Dr. Linux....fine amateur radio op ....wealth of experience...
Silent KeyVA2GJB- Graham...one of the good 14313 guys back in the day.
Silent Key K1BHV- David...PITA
Silent Key W1JSH- Mort...Air Force man
Silent Key K1MAN--Glen....PITA
Silent KeyKB1CJG-"Cobby"- Low key gent can be found on many of the 75 meter nets.........
Silent KeyWB1AAZ- Mike, Antrim, NH, auto parts truck driver-retired
Silent KeyWB1DVD- Gil....Gilly..Gilmore.....easy going, computer parts selling, New England Ham..
Silent Key W1OKQ- Jack....3936 Wheeling and Dealing......keeping the boys on there toes....
Silent Key W1TCS- Terry....75 meter regular, wealth of electronic knowledge...
Silent Key WIPNR- Mack....DXCC Master, worked them all!.. 3864 regular for many years...
Silent Key WILIM- Hu....SK at 92... 3864 regular for many years...
Silent Key N1SIE- Dave....Loves to fly
Silent Key:N1WBD- Big Bob- Tallest ham, at 6'10", of the 3864 group
Silent Key: W1FSK-Steve....Navy Pilot, HRO Salesman, has owned every radio ever built!
Silent Key: W4NTI-Vietnam Dan....far from easy going cw and ssb op on 14275/313
Silent Key:K1FUB-Bill- Loved ham radio....